Easy integration with other applications

Direct integration with some of our applications (no need to know AppleScripts)

GPICommander is two things: a USB to GPI Converter and a software. You can send or receive GPI triggers using AppleScript, so it can be used with any macOS application. Since version 2.2, there is also a REST API available so you can send and receive GPI triggers very easily.

If needed, an SDK is available if you want to have direct access to it without AppleScript (it also runs on Windows then and it enables you to control the unit by writing C code.)

It has 24 inputs (open-collector type, common ground) and 8 independant relay outputs but since each unit has a unique serial ID, you can chain more than once on the USB bus to have more inputs and/or outputs.

Main features

AppleScript Integration

Download our GPICommander application so you can :

Trigger an AppleScript when any of the 8 input changes status (On to OFF or OFF to ON).

Use AppleScripts to trigger the 24 outputs of the GPICommander box.

Direct Integration

A few of our software have a direct integration with GPICommander (so without having to create AppleScripts). For example:

With MovieRecorder, you can trigger the recording

With OnTheAir Video, you can play/pause, skipt to next, etc...

With Multicam Logger, you can change the selected angles when connected to the GPIout of your production switcher

Technical Specifications

GPI Commander can control or be controlled through AppleScripts, but some of our applications can connet directly to the device, without having to know any AppleScript:

MovieRecorder

MulticamLogger

OnTheAir Node

OnTheAir Video

OnTheAir Video Express

Mac OS application

Available for free

Manual controls (set outputs on or off or pulse)

AppleScriptable (set outputs from third party application)

Can trigger AppleScripts when a change of status of one of the inputs is detected (different action possible for on or off change)

Windows applications

Not developed but if you are a developer, contact us to get the protocol.

Third party integration

Can be controlled by third party software through AppleScripts.

Integration possible with most of our products (check the features list to see if it can trigger GPI).

System Requirements

System requirements

Minimum System Requirements for the Mac OS Software

Mac OS

Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later *

RAM

2 GB

MacPro type

Any

iMac type

Any

MacBook Pro type

Any

MacBook Air type

Any

MacMini type

Any

* While Softron tries to maintain compatibility with older versions of Macintosh Operating Systems, it is not always possible to achieve. Because Operating Systems are usually significantly improved over previous versions, Softron must use many of the more capable built-in functionalities inherent in Apple’s latest OS releases. Failing to do so would me that Softron software would essentially be blocked from using the new Frameworks provided in the OS. For this reason Softron’s free support is provided only on the current and previous version of the Macintosh OS. If you have issues with using Softron software on older versions of the Operating Systems, your only solution may be to upgrade your Operating System to the current version.

Specs of the GPICommander box

Inputs

24 (DB25) - The inputs are considered ON when grounded (connected to the ground on pin 25). If you supply voltage to the inputs, then you not only will see them as ON but you might also damage the unit.

Outputs

8 (Phoenix) - The outputs are simple independent relays that short (connect) each pair of output connection (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, etc...). The relays accept up to 220V going through them.

Connection to host computer

USB 2.0

Power

By USB

Specs of the Input Relays

Coil Ratings

Note: this information is not contractual and subject to change without notice.